King Cophetua And The Beggar Maid Poem by Emily Pfeiffer

A BEGGAR maiden, poor and pale was she,
In whom the King Cophetua saw his fate,
And brought her in, and on a chair of state
Set her for worship. Now king's houses be
To homes of men of lowlier degree
As hollow husks; but with this pallid mate
Came suddenly to this king's house a freight
Of all that makes man's life most rich and free.

Love's glamour made of those high walls a place
Where gentle souls might dwell in time and space
Nor feel of longest summer days the length.
Love's knight, his glimmering armour took on grace,
His very sword caught love-light from her face;
He lent her beauty and she gave him strength.